I’m so excited to be releasing my new pattern today! This one is a bit more special to me because it’s my first time grading a pattern. I decided to use a simple yet versatile tank top pattern that I had made earlier this summer and I graded it in 4 toddler sizes ranging from 2T to 5T. It’s a simple little pattern so it’s great for a quick nap time project or if you’re a beginner in sewing with knit fabrics then this will be a fantastic practice. I’ve always believed that sometimes you just need one good basic pattern and from that you can explore many different creations. A few designs that I’ve made based from this tank top are a flared top, flared dress, shift dress, dress with a gathered skirt and also a circle skirt, and a drop waist skirt. Really, the design possibilities are endless!
I will show you later how to manipulate the pattern to create different designs but for now let’s start making the basic tank top…
A few months ago, Logan’s school was holding a Valentine’s Day concert for the 2nd graders. The theme was Love and each student was asked to wear red. Dressing up little boys is pretty easy – throw on a button up shirt, pull on some slacks, slick back hair with gel and you’re done! I thought to myself -how can I make his outfit a bit dressier? Then I remembered a neck tie I made him a few years back with an elastic neck. The elastic was a big mistake because it had to go over his head thus ruining his hair. I am going to make him another tie but this time with Velcro to the neck straps – that way it won’t mess up his hair. I will be posting the printable template for the Adjustable Neck Tie with Velcro soon so be on the lookout for that.
The Christmas tree skirt is simple to make with minimal sewing or no sewing at all depending on what fabric you use. It’s a quick and easy 30 minute project. I had to switch from fabric glue to hot glue for attaching the gold ribbon to the felt because it just got too painful for my fingers to squeeze what was left in the bottle. One thing to keep in mind is if you’re using a thin gold metallic ribbon like I did, let the hot glue cool down to warm before placing the ribbon so that the heat doesn’t make it all wrinkly. There’s also a video tutorial available to watch. Alright, are you ready to make this? Let’s get started!
For this stocking, I used the same industrial sewing technique that are used on stockings with foldover cuffs sold in stores. It is surprisingly fast and easy to make – I was able to make it with 2 swollen index fingers and a crooked pinkie! I think 10 minutes of prep time and perhaps 30 minutes tops to sew. There is a printable template available for this project as well as a video tutorial. Are you ready to make it? Let’s get started!